AGP Executive Report

Domestic Tourism Push: Botswana is worried more travellers are choosing Namibia over local trips, with officials probing what Namibia offers that Batswana aren’t getting at home. KAZA Tourism Boost: Botswana’s environment minister joined KAZA TFCA talks in Victoria Falls, where Zimbabwe’s First Lady was praised for enabling 10,000 women to visit the Falls—good news for cross-border conservation and visitor numbers. Okavango Adventure: A runner’s account of the Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail highlights Botswana’s wildlife-rich routes, from dawn mokoro crossings to crocodile and hippo warnings. Air Access & Visitor Economy: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, aiming to expand aviation networks and strengthen tourism connectivity. Event Tourism: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), expected to draw titled players and tourism interest. Repatriation Relief: Government is considering a repatriation fund to help families cover the high cost of bringing deceased Batswana home from abroad. Wildlife Coexistence: A self-guided safari story captures the appeal of Botswana’s “middle of nowhere” travel, including a close lion encounter on the road.

Botswana tourism push: Botswana is worried more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, with officials in Gaborone probing what Namibia offers that domestic destinations don’t. KAZA tourism boost: Botswana’s environment minister joined KAZA TFCA talks in Victoria Falls, where the First Lady of Zimbabwe was commended for helping 10,000 women visit the Falls—highlighting the region’s cross-border conservation and travel pull. Adventure on the ground: The Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail is underway, with runners describing a demanding route starting from Nxamaseri Island Lodge and tackling heat, mud, and wildlife risks. New event on the calendar: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), expected to lift the country’s profile and attract visitors. Air access spotlight: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, aiming to grow aviation links that can feed business travel and tourism. Health at borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says a small number of travellers resisted Ebola screening at Tlokweng, but insists the situation is under control. Safari inspiration: A local couple shares a self-guided Botswana safari story featuring close lion encounters on the road. Wildlife crime reminder: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa received eight-year sentences, underlining ongoing regional conservation enforcement. Desert Bush Walk star guests: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and President Duma Boko are set to join the 10th Anniversary Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July 23–25). Botswana in the spotlight: A report also notes Botswana’s role in regional aviation and tourism connectivity discussions.

Domestic Tourism Push: Botswana authorities say more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, with 2024 figures showing 123,276 Batswana tourists visiting Namibia; the Ministry of Environment and Tourism is now investigating what Namibia offers that Botswana isn’t. Conservation & Travel Recognition: Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi, attended the 16th KAZA TFCA Ministerial Committee Meeting in Victoria Falls, where Zimbabwe’s First Lady was commended for enabling 10,000 women to visit the Falls. Aviation Connectivity: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines and aviation stakeholders, aiming to boost air access and tourism links across Africa. Wildlife Safety at Borders: Botswana’s health ministry confirmed isolated resistance to Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post, saying cases are being monitored and awareness efforts continue. Travel Experiences on the Ground: A local self-guided safari story highlights how adventurous travellers are finding “off the beaten path” wildlife moments in Botswana. Adventure Event: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso will join the 10th Anniversary Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July 23–25, 2026), alongside President Duma Boko and thousands of hikers.

Tourism Demand Shift: Botswana authorities are worried more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, with 2024 figures showing Botswana as a top source for Namibia tourism (123,276 visitors) and a fact-finding push underway to understand what’s pulling travellers across the border. KAZA Boost: Ministers at the KAZA TFCA meeting in Victoria Falls commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for helping 10,000 women visit the Falls, highlighting the region’s shared conservation and tourism engine across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Aviation & Access: Botswana is hosting AviaDev Africa in Cape Town, aiming to strengthen air links and grow visitor numbers through high-level airline and tourism talks. Desert Bush Walk: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and President Duma Boko are set to join the 10th Anniversary Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July 23–25), with cultural exchanges, community projects, game drives and a main walk on July 25. Okavango Adventure: A runner’s diary from the Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail captures the real-life thrills of crossing wetlands and navigating wildlife on the route. Health at Borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says Ebola screening refusals at Tlokweng are isolated, with awareness efforts continuing at one of the busiest border posts. Wildlife Crime: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years, underscoring the crackdown on illegal wildlife trade across the region. Local Travel Inspiration: A self-guided safari story highlights how travellers are finding “off the beaten path” Botswana experiences, including close lion sightings.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa with about 450 delegates and 50+ airlines/aviation stakeholders, aiming to grow air connectivity and lift the visitor economy. Adventure in the Delta: A runner shares a tough 60-mile Okavango Delta challenge, with close encounters and big wildlife moments. Desert Bush Walk Line-up: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and President Duma Boko are set to join the 10th Anniversary Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July 23–25), featuring cultural exchanges, community projects, game drives and mine tours. Wildlife & Conservation Lens: A new look at how wildlife-human relationships shift fast, shaping conservation approaches across southern Africa. Health at Borders: Botswana’s MoH says Ebola screening refusals at Tlokweng are isolated, with awareness efforts ongoing. Local Travel Inspiration: A couple explores Botswana on a self-guided safari, chasing “middle of nowhere” experiences. Business & Tourism Infrastructure: Albaddad launches “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use project including five international hotels.

Repatriation Support: Botswana is considering a national repatriation fund (or dedicated policy) to help families cover the often steep cost of bringing deceased citizens home from abroad, after concerns that many are forced into emergency fundraising. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa with about 450 delegates, aiming to expand African air routes and strengthen the country’s visitor economy and position as a regional aviation hub. Wildlife Coexistence Lessons: A new conservation-focused piece highlights how wildlife-human relationships shift fast, shaped by animal behavior, public views, day-to-day practices, and the rules authorities set—useful context for visitors and operators. Ebola Screening at Borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says a small number of travellers at Tlokweng Border Post have refused Ebola screening, but insists cases are isolated and being monitored. KAZA Conservation Meetings: High-level KAZA TFCA meetings began in Victoria Falls to review progress on transfrontier conservation programmes across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, with Zimbabwe chairing. Cultural Tourism Boost: Cresta Riley’s says the 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival strengthened its role in cultural tourism, spotlighting local heritage, performers and community participation. New Botswana City Plan: ALBADDAD and Botswana Development Corporation launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use development with hotels, retail and residences aimed at trade, tourism and business events. Canoeing Ideas: A practical guide recommends Botswana canoe routes like the Okavango Delta and Linyanti River, with tips on gear, wildlife safety and best dry-season timing. Wildlife Research in Botswana: University of Washington researchers return to northern Botswana to study how climate change is affecting lions and African wild dogs, including where they move and how they reproduce.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Botswana is hosting AviaDev Africa, opened by Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines, airports, tourism authorities and policymakers to push new routes and partnerships that strengthen air access and the visitor economy. Wildlife & Conservation Research: UW researchers are returning to northern Botswana to study how lions and African wild dogs are changing behaviour as heat and drought intensify, including how predator interactions may shift during extreme weather. KAZA Regional Conservation: High-level KAZA TFCA meetings kick off in Victoria Falls (June 8–12) with Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia reviewing progress on transfrontier conservation programmes and oversight. Cultural Tourism Spotlight: Cresta Riley’s says the 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival helped keep heritage front and centre, drawing communities, performers and visitors to celebrate local identity. New City for Gaborone: Albaddad Holding and Botswana Development Corporation have launched “New Botswana City,” a $1.9bn mixed-use development with hotels, offices and residences aimed at making Gaborone a hub for trade and tourism. On-the-ground Travel Ideas: A guide highlights canoeing in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Linyanti River, with tips on gear, wildlife safety and best seasons. Safari Memories: Readers share standout Botswana and wider safari moments, including close encounters that capture why people keep coming back.

Self-guided safari inspiration: A Whittier couple, Lynn and Robert Franz, shared how a DIY Botswana safari delivered a “National Geographic” moment when they encountered a pride of lions on a sandy road. Health at borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says Ebola screening refusals at the Tlokweng Border Post are isolated, with awareness efforts underway. Wildlife crime crackdown: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years after smuggling a live Temminck’s pangolin. Tourism & culture: Cresta Riley’s says its Ngamiland Cultural Festival continues to strengthen cultural tourism in Botswana’s tourism calendar. Conservation coordination: KAZA TFCA meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls to review regional conservation programmes across Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Getting outdoors: A guide highlights canoeing in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Linyanti River, with dry-season tips and safety gear. New city for trade and stays: Albaddad launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use project including five international hotels. Sports pipeline warning: BNOC warns school sports gaps could derail Botswana’s future athlete development.

New Botswana City (Gaborone): UAE modular-construction group ALBADDAD, with Botswana Development Corporation, has launched a $1.9bn, 1.24m sq m mixed-use “New Botswana City” plan—51 residential towers, commercial offices, five international hotels and a boulevard district—aimed at boosting trade, tourism and business events. Conservation & visitor experiences: KAZA transfrontier conservation meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls (June 8–12) with Botswana, Angola, Namibia and Zambia reviewing regional programmes, while Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to strengthen monitoring and visitor education. Tourism ideas on the ground: Cresta Riley says its Ngamiland Cultural Festival continues to grow cultural tourism, and a guide highlights canoeing across Botswana’s waterways (Okavango Delta and Linyanti) with dry-season tips. Travel-adjacent business & jobs: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m Tlokweng manufacturing facility expected to create about 160 jobs. Sports and tourism link: BNOC warns school sports are in crisis, and a Business of Sport Summit is set for June 25–26 at GICC to push sport’s economic value.

Wildlife Research: University of Washington teams are returning to northern Botswana to track how lions and African wild dogs are changing behaviour as heatwaves and droughts intensify, including how predator interactions may shift during extreme weather. New Developments in Gaborone: UAE-based Albaddad has launched the $1.9bn “New Botswana City” project in Gaborone with plans for multiple residential towers, commercial space and five international hotels—aimed at boosting trade, tourism and business events. Conservation & Visitor Tech: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to strengthen monitoring and improve visitor education, building on last year’s giraffe translocation. Regional Conservation Talks: KAZA meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls (June 8–12) as member states review progress on transfrontier conservation programmes. Cultural Tourism: Cresta Riley’s says it is doubling down on cultural tourism after the successful 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival, highlighting local talent and heritage. Outdoor Travel Guide: A new piece shares practical tips for canoeing in Botswana, including where to go (Okavango Delta vs Linyanti), what to pack and when to travel. Sports & Tourism Link: Botswana’s Business of Sport Summit is set for June 25–26 at GICC, focusing on how sport can contribute to GDP and attract more investment. School Sports Warning: The Botswana National Olympic Committee warns that the lack of organised school sports is putting future athlete development at risk. Local Football Gap: Coverage of Palapye’s women’s league final points to a mismatch between on-field progress and the value attached to women’s football off it.

New Botswana City in Gaborone: UAE’s Albaddad has launched its $1.9bn, three-phase mixed-use “New Botswana City” project with 1.24 million sq m planned, including 5 international hotels, 51 residential towers and major retail and entertainment space—aimed at boosting trade, tourism and business events. Solar jobs push in Tlokweng: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m manufacturing plant, targeting about 160 jobs (80% for women and young people) and shifting from importing solar lighting to local production. KAZA conservation coordination: KAZA TFCA meetings opened in Victoria Falls (June 8–12) with Botswana, Angola, Namibia and Zambia delegates reviewing regional conservation progress under Zimbabwe’s rotating chair. Canoeing in Botswana: A practical guide highlights canoeing options like the Okavango Delta and Linyanti River, with tips on gear, wildlife safety and best seasons. Giraffe monitoring upgrade: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to strengthen conservation monitoring and visitor education. Desert Bush Walk 10th anniversary: Jwaneng’s July charity walk marks Queen ‘Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, with a theme linking sports and tourism to health and sustainable development. Safari planning basics: A how-to piece covers choosing a destination (including Botswana), then planning the trip to avoid common mistakes.

Jobs & Livelihoods: A year after retrenchments at Debswana contractor Enabler Hires left Orapa workers without warning, Al Jazeera reports miners still battling debt and scarce alternatives. New Developments in Gaborone: Albaddad has unveiled “New Botswana City,” a $1.9bn mixed-use project with hotels, offices, residences and retail, aimed at boosting trade and tourism. Eco-Tourism & Conservation: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to improve monitoring and visitor education, building on last year’s giraffe translocation. Community Culture & Tourism: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, saying it’s vital for San heritage and local tourism income. Events in Botswana: The 10th Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng returns in July, honouring Queen ‘Masenate and linking sports and tourism to community development. Wildlife Travel Inspiration: Gordon Buchanan’s “Lions and Tigers and Bears” tour is set to return to the UK in 2027, spotlighting his wildlife encounters.

New Development in Gaborone: Albaddad has launched its $1.9bn “New Botswana City” project in Gaborone, a 1.24 million sq m mixed-use hub planned in three phases with 51 residential towers, commercial blocks, and five international hotels—positioning the capital for trade, business events, and tourism. Safari Conservation Upgrade: Goo-Moremi Resort received advanced giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems, to strengthen monitoring and visitor education after a giraffe translocation. Culture & Tourism Push: Ghanzi leaders are calling for the return of the Kuru Dance Festival, saying funding and administration issues have kept the San heritage event away since 2023, despite its past tourism and local income impact. Tourism Planning Guide: A practical “How to Organize a Safari Trip” piece highlights choosing the right destination—spotlighting Botswana among top safari options—and warns that planning mistakes can derail the experience. Air Connectivity for Visitors: Airlink has taken over slots left by Compair on Zimbabwe routes, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights and linking to Botswana destinations like Gaborone, Maun and Kasane. Creative Sector Protection: Botswana’s broadcasting officials warn that piracy and unregulated AI could harm the creative economy, urging stronger protections for local artists and intellectual property.

Air travel & tourism links: Airlink has taken over slots left by British Airways Compair on Zimbabwe routes, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights and boosting connections to regional leisure hubs including Gaborone, Maun and Kasane in Botswana—good news for travellers watching for a tourism recovery. Wildlife conservation stay: Goo-Moremi Resort received new giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems, strengthening monitoring and visitor education tied to conservation tourism. Culture & community tourism: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival in D’Kar, saying the event is a proven draw for international visitors and a boost for local livelihoods. Botswana creative economy: A senior official warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s cultural identity and creative-sector jobs, urging stronger protections for local creators. Regional travel access: More African nations are easing visa rules for fellow Africans, with momentum building for easier movement that supports tourism and trade across the continent.

Conservation & Eco-Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort in Botswana received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including quad bikes, real-time tracking and camera systems, to boost monitoring and visitor education after a September giraffe translocation. Cultural Tourism: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, last held in 2023, saying it’s vital for San cultural preservation and a tourism boost for the local economy. Travel Policy & Access: More African countries are easing travel barriers under AfCFTA momentum—Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, while Togo and Ghana have also moved to reduce visa friction for business and tourism. Creative Economy Protection: Botswana’s broadcasting officials warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative sector’s income and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Botswana in the News: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to buy a strategic De Beers stake, aiming for more control over pricing and marketing as diamond revenues face pressure.

Botswana Tourism & Eco-Travel: Botswana’s Tourism Revival is being framed as a jobs-and-growth push through eco-tourism, with the focus on turning conservation into real livelihoods. Adventure & Nature Tips: A guide to biking across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans highlights the best season (April–October), what bike setup to use, and how to plan for wildlife encounters. Cultural Economy & IP: Botswana warns that unregulated AI and piracy could erode the creative sector, urging stronger protections so local film, music and storytelling can keep earning and employing Batswana. Regional Travel Access: More African nations are lowering visa barriers for African passport holders, with policies rolling out across the continent that could make cross-border travel and tourism easier. Luxury Safari Trend: A roundup of Africa’s newest luxury safari lodges points to more design-led, immersive stays—useful inspiration for Botswana travellers planning their next trip.